Sivir's perception wasn't wrong.
As an Enhancer, her speed clearly outmatched Cheadle's.
However, no matter how she attacked, she couldn't even touch the hem of Cheadle's clothing.
This was even with Ken joined in the attack.
So what was going on?
Sivir certainly knew that this might be related to Cheadle's ability, but she couldn't understand the principles behind it.
However, Ken noticed.
It wasn't enhanced eyesight that inclined towards the Enhancement type, but an enhancement of the conceptual observational ability.
No, that statement seemed inaccurate.
Because even with enhanced observational skills, at most, one could only see things on the surface…
To make people unconsciously think, "Do you have precognition ability? But, it required insight that surpassed conventional levels!"
That's right.
It was enhanced insight mixed with analytical and judgment abilities.
However, Ken, who drew a concrete conclusion, was even more curious about another thing.
That is—
While avoiding their attacks, Cheadle clearly had many opportunities to counterattack, but she didn't take advantage of them.
Ken posed this question out of curiosity and didn't really expect an answer from Cheadle. Rather, he just wanted to convey information to his companions.
Unexpectedly, Cheadle responded.
"Caution, that's my answer."
With a calm expression, Cheadle raised her right hand adorned with white gloves, palm facing upwards, making a gesture similar to an invitation.
This was a subconscious gesture she made when 'lecturing'.
"Because of caution?"
Ken squinted his eyes, quickly glanced at Cole, who was in 'standby', then quickly at Genbu, who was drawing lots.
"Ah, I see."
He pretended to show an enlightened expression, and said with a smile, "I don't mind satisfying your idea of wanting to stall for time. Under that premise, I have a question."
Saying that, the man whose attacking style particularly matched the Enhancement type, voluntarily closed his Aura nodes, putting himself in the state of 'Zetsu'.
Without the protection of Aura, a single strike could end his life.
Ken's sudden action didn't induce any visible reaction from Cheadle, but—
It wasn't entirely without effect.
Cheadle subtly moved her fingers holding the 'Diagnostic Register'.
For that brief moment…
She considered canceling her ability and delivering a fatal blow to Ken.
Given the current situation, as a non-combatant Nen user, was challenging for her to defeat four skilled Nen users.
But if she could reduce the opponent's numbers by one, there might be an opportunity to break the current stalemate.
Ken, seemingly oblivious to Cheadle's subtle movement, maintained an elegant smile on his face, and said, "Of course, the question I want to ask doesn't require your answer."
Cheadle remained silent.
She was indeed stalling, and the actions and words of the opponent seemed to deliberately cater to her.
Sivir also stayed silent. Out of trust in her companion, she resisted the urge to continue the attack when Cheadle showed no signs of action.
However, for an Enhancer like her, it was quite challenging to endure it.
"The Cautious Watchdog, as usual, when facing an enemy with unknown abilities, maintaining vigilance and acting with caution is a normal response. But don't forget, my other companion is already using his ability."
Ken held the long sword in his hand, taking on an attacking posture, and seriously said, "The manifested slot machine and my comrade's continuous actions of drawing lots, anyone with a brain can see that it's a preparatory-type abilities. In Nen battles, it's like an hourglass counting down. But you don't seem to have any intention of disturbing it, so…"
A surge of Nen returned to Ken.
While speaking, he reopened his Aura nodes, allowing Aura to once again cover his entire body.
"It's not that you're not refraining, but because you're incapable of counterattacking. That brings me back to my initial question, why don't you counterattack? It's not that you don't want to counterattack, but you can't, right? That's the limitation of your ability!"
As he finished speaking, Ken stomped his foot.
Boom!
The ground cracked.
With his body enveloped in Aura, Ken charged towards Cheadle like a streak of light.
Apart from the one-on-one confrontation between the two Enhancers on an arena, the battles between Nen users often resemble a war of information.
After hearing Ken's analysis, Sivir also gained a crucial piece of information.
The woman before her, who seemed like a mud loach, seemed to have a limitation similar to 'inability to attack.'
Sivir believed Ken's judgment and explosively released a powerful Aura, attacking Cheadle from another direction.
This time, her attack left no room for retreat.
The direct offensive from the two experts increased the pressure on Cheadle.
"Hmm, that's basically correct. Are you really an Enhancer…?"
Cheadle's eyes closely followed the approaching Ken and Sivir.
When she materializes 'Diagnostic Register', she gained extraordinary abilities to resolve various 'difficult and complicated diseases' more smoothly and efficiently. At the same time, it significantly reduced the probability of misdiagnosis.
Given this original intention, the limitation of this ability was "Doctor's Compassion".
Because a morally upright and compassionate doctor would never intentionally harm someone.
Although her ability's limitation was uncovered by Ken, it did not affect Cheadle because—
This kind of limitation could only exist when the ability was in effect.
Cheadle adjusted her Nen, easily dodging Ken's attack while simultaneously responding based on Sivir's Aura flow and extremely subtle body habit movements.
Dodge, still dodging—
Neither Ken's sword nor Sivir's fist could touch Cheadle despite their relentless onslaught.
However, since Sivir focused all her attention on offensive, Cheadle's evasive maneuvers seemed riskier than before.
In comparison, Ken didn't go all out in his attack.
In the end…
Not being able to attack and not being able to counterattack are different.
Sivir misunderstood the meaning slightly.
It was this subtle difference that exposed her vulnerability under the unrestrained attack that wasn't present before.
'Chance.'
In that moment, Cheadle's pupils rapidly contracted and expanded, like a camera's shutter, as she smoothly deactivated 'Diagnostic Register.'
With her ability withdrawn, the limitation of "Doctor's Compassion" naturally vanished, and she even freed up one hand.
In a fluid motion, Cheadle quickly channeled her Nen, using her freed hand to deflect Ken's attack, and then rapidly concentrated her Nen into her right hand, landing a precise punch on Sivir's exposed spot.
Bang!
Sivir groaned, and her entire body flew backward.
Ken's expression changed slightly, but as he tried to capitalize on this, Cheadle had already rematerialized 'Diagnostic Register'.
"Impressive, as expected of one of the Zodiacs…"
Outside the battle circle, Genbu, who was still busy drawing lots, and Cole, who seemed to have taken no action, shared the same sentiment with Ken.
"Cole, are you not ready yet?"
Genbu shifted his gaze towards Cole.
"I've already 'sprouted'."
Cole responded calmly.